Pour Over
The pour-over method stands out as one of the favored coffee brewing techniques for capturing the intricate flavors of specialty coffee. Pour-Over is a form of infusion brewing where hot water is poured over a bed of ground coffee. In this guide, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of pour-overs and instructions on crafting an outstanding cup of coffee using any pour-over device.
Operational Mechanism
A brew basket, typically made of metal, glass, or ceramic and equipped with a filter, holds ground coffee above a mug or carafe. Hot water is poured over the coffee, brewing as it traverses the grounds. Gravity assists the freshly brewed coffee in exiting the brew basket through perforations at the bottom, into the mug or carafe.
Pour Over Coffee Ratio
An initial recommendation for pour-over coffee is a 16:1 water-to-coffee ratio (16 grams of water to 1 gram of coffee). However, the optimal ratio depends on grind size, flow rate, coffee used, and of course individual taste preferences. Experiment with ratios ranging from 15:1 to 17:1, considering factors like grind size and water temperature, which also influence the final coffee taste.
Coffee Grind for Pour Over
Achieving the right coarseness in coffee grind ensures water passes through the grounds within the desired brew time. A medium grind, akin to table salt, is suggested for most pour-over devices using paper filters. Paper filters contribute to a clean cup by effectively capturing small coffee particles and removing much of the oils.
Pour Over Coffee Recipe
Water-to-coffee ratio: 16:1
Water: 450g
Coffee: 28g
Grind: Medium (table salt)
Making Pour Over Coffee
When using a flat bottom filter start with a level bed of coffee in the brew basket; when using a cone filter it is recommended to make a slight indent in the center of the coffee bed and build up the edges slightly to ensure more even extraction. For even extraction, use a gooseneck kettle to pour hot water in circular motions, spiraling from the middle to the outside and back to the middle. Upon completion, a rather level bed of coffee in the filter should be visible.
Brewing Steps
- Step 1 - 0:00: Add 50g of water to allow freshly roasted coffee to off gas (often called the bloom)
- Step 2 - 0:30: Slowly add 200g of water using circular motions.
- Step 3 - 1:30: Add 100g of water again with circular motions.
- Step 4 - 2:30: Add the remaining 100g of water and let it filter through the coffee, aiming for a total brew time of around 3:30 to 4 minutes.